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Kurt Zouma plays 45 minutes in return from knee injury for Chelsea U23s after almost nine months out

Kurt Zouma made his long-awaited Chelsea return on Monday night, playing 45 minutes for the club's Under 23 side – his first action in almost nine months.

The 21-year-old suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury in February and missed Euro 2012 as well as the start of the new Premier League season.

Zouma was handed a planned 45 minute cameo against Derby County – and got a first taste of what life could be like in an Antonio Conte back three with Chelsea's youngsters mirroring the first team's new 3-4-3 formation.

Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma made his return from injury for their Under 23s on Monday
Zouma has been out for almost nine months

Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma made his return from injury for their Under 23s on Monday

Zouma played 45 minutes as part of a back three against Derby County at Aldershot
Zouma played 45 minutes as part of a back three against Derby County at Aldershot
Zouma wins the ball in the air ahead of team-mateu00a0Fankaty Dabo andu00a0Calum MacDonald
Zouma wins the ball in the air ahead of team-mate Fankaty Dabo and Calum MacDonald

But the outing at Aldershot's Recreation Ground was not all straightforward, with the France international giving away a penalty after 35 minutes.